The Santa Maria College Cultural Centre is a purpose-built home for performance, creativity and community connection. It includes the 642-seat Djinda Theatre, Kaarlak dance studio, Trócaire black box theatre and Catherine Courtyard. The Centre honours the College’s Mercy heritage, Whadjuk Noongar language and long history of music, drama and performance.
The Official Opening of Our Cultural Centre – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Students want an education that prepares them for life, not only exams. In this article, Santa Maria reflects on student feedback showing that young people value relationships, confidence, problem-solving, collaboration and clear learning. It also explains how the College is responding through its Connecting Learning to Life framework and emPOWER projects.
What Students Want From Their Education Today – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Five Santa Maria girls planted 540 native understory plants at Blackwall Reach Reserve, turning a Sunday morning into practical action for the environment.
Eco Sisters Put Justice Into Action At Blackwall Reach Reserve Read More »
Santa Maria College’s Head of Visual Arts, Claire Rushton, brings deep experience, creative energy and a clear belief in the value of student voice. Read how her approach to art education helps students build confidence, skill and meaningful self-expression.
Meet Claire, Santa Maria’s Head of Visual Arts Read More »
Santa Maria College past student Jessica Pinto (2016) has built a career centred on compassion, service, and global health. Inspired by her volunteering experiences at school, Jessica went on to become a Registered Nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital and completed a Master of Public Health. Through her ongoing volunteer work locally and overseas, including a community health project in the Philippines, Jessica continues to embody the spirit of “Giving Back with Heart.”
Jessica Pinto (2016) – Giving Back with Heart Read More »
Creativity, curiosity and service are on show across the College, from mushroom collages and forensic science to hockey skills and habitat dioramas. See how students are learning in hands-on, thoughtful ways that build confidence, compassion and connection.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 2, Week 5 Read More »
Cyberbullying among teenage girls often happens within existing friendship groups rather than between strangers. Online communication can remove the emotional cues that normally shape empathy and restraint, making hurtful comments easier to send. Group chats and screenshots also give words a permanence that can intensify conflict and damage relationships. The article encourages parents to discuss empathy, accountability and respectful communication with their daughters before they press send.
She Would Never Say That to Her Face – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Quiet time is essential for teenage girls because it supports mental processing, identity formation, and emotional wellbeing. Without constant stimulation from devices, the brain can reflect, connect ideas, and settle. Research shows excessive passive screen use is linked to poorer mental health outcomes, making regular moments of stillness increasingly important.
The Quiet That Changes Everything – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
A school Mother’s Day market gives students practical experience in entrepreneurship by guiding them through creating, marketing and selling their own products. At Santa Maria College, Women in Business students develop real-world skills such as communication, financial management and problem-solving while running their own stalls. This hands-on learning builds confidence and prepares students for future pathways beyond school.
A Mother’s Day Market Showcasing Student Entrepreneurs in Action Read More »
Outdoor education for girls helps build resilience, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. This article explains that camp experiences give girls genuine challenge, time in nature and opportunities to work things out for themselves. It argues these moments are especially valuable in a world where many young people have less unstructured outdoor time.
Where The Outdoors Can Take Them – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Belonging shapes how a girl learns, connects and grows, and it often begins in the small moments of school life. This thoughtful piece explores why belonging matters for wellbeing and achievement, with practical questions parents can ask to better understand how their daughter is feeling.
Why a Sense of Belonging at School Matters – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
From purple ribbons to a staff-vs-students volleyball match, our community came together to celebrate International Women’s Day while raising funds for Zonta House. Discover how students embraced the #GivetoGain message through generosity, leadership and connection.
Celebrating the Women of Santa Maria – International Women’s Day Read More »
In just four weeks, our students brought As We Face the Sun to life in a powerful outdoor performance that marked the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As we prepare to open our Cultural Centre, this remarkable production showcased the confidence, creativity and courage that define a Santa Maria education.
Facing the Sun and Stepping into a New Chapter Read More »
Step inside our classrooms and see how our teachers refine their craft so every girl is supported to think deeply and achieve her best.
What Good Teaching Really Looks Like – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
What happens when a real film crew arrives on campus? Our students didn’t just watch – they stepped into the spotlight, gaining hands-on industry experience as part of the launch of our new Cultural Centre.
Lights, Camera, Opportunity – Students Step Onto the Set Read More »
Our students are exploring bold colour, ocean conservation and creative confidence with Artist in Residence Ian Daniell. Discover how his two-week residency is inspiring curiosity, joy and a deeper connection to art and the environment.
From the Louvre to Ningaloo – Inspiring Young Artists at Santa Maria College Read More »
New research confirms what many families already sense: delaying smartphones protects your daughter’s wellbeing, sleep and confidence. Discover why waiting matter.
When the Research Catches Up to What Parents Already Know – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
The Year 12 Ball marked a proud and joyful beginning to the final year for the Class of 2026—an evening that celebrated confidence, inclusivity and the strong sense of community that defines Santa Maria College.
Class of 2026 – The Year 12 Ball Read More »
Joy, talent, and resilience were on full display as our Years 5 & 6 students were recognised for their achievements in 2025. Catch the highlights from a morning filled with music, celebration, and heartfelt moments.
Shining Bright – Recognising our Years 5 & 6 Successes Read More »
